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Google Now bans some Linux web browsers

by on16 December 2019


Nothing to do with how they handle adverts and tracking, honest

Google is now banning the popular Linux browsers named Konqueror, Falkon, and Qutebrowser from logging into Google services because they may not be secure.

According to Bleeping Computer, logging in to Google services with Konqueror or Falkon was impossible with multiple machines. Google was saying "Try using a different browser. If you're already using a supported browser, you can refresh your screen and try again to sign in".

A supplied Google support article states the browser may be blocked from signing in for the following reasons:

  • Don’t support JavaScript or have Javascript turned off.
  • Have unsecure or unsupported extensions added.
  • Use automation testing frameworks.
  • Are embedded in a different application.

"This has led people to offer a variety of theories for why this is happening including it being an A/B test being done by Google, related to the version of QtWebEngine installed, or maybe even an account setting such as 2FA being enabled", Bleeping Computer said.

Other users are saying that they have no problem, so it is unclear what is happening at the Googleplex.

 

Last modified on 16 December 2019
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